Two of the more disappointing sides of 1992 came together, with Essendon being forced to come to terms with a run of seven wins in eight games being broken a week earlier in a 160 point loss to Hawthorn. The Bombers travelled to the MCG eager to make amends against a Melbourne side which had upset Collingwood on their own turf the previous week and had won three in a row.

Essendon established a narrow lead at quarter time and gradually extended it throughout the day, with hero of the Collingwood victory Allen Jakovich kicking himself out of the game by only managing 4.9. Melbourne were briefly in front in the second quarter before Greg Anderson kicked three goals in three minutes.

Paul Salmon kicked six goals for the winners despite being moved between full-forward and full-back during the afternoon as he managed a groin strain.